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24 Metro Joins the Ali Group Family The latest addition to the Ali Group is Metro, world leader in the manufacturing of shelving, storage and transport equipment. InterMetro Industries Corporation headquarters in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. "The Metro brand name is widely recognized as the gold standard in superior service and product quality, reliability and performance." —Filippo Berti C ontinuing its practice of adding "best- in-class," high-performing companies to its portfolio, the Ali Group acquired InterMetro Industries Corporation (Metro) in September 2015. For more than 85 years, Metro has been an industry leader in storage and transport products. Headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Metro manufac- tures a wide variety of products aimed at the foodservice and healthcare segments, ranging from wire shelving and heated holding cabinets to automated medication dispensing equipment and emergency carts. Ali Group North America Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Filippo Berti explains why the Metro acquisition makes sense for the company. Why the decision to purchase Metro? The Metro brand name is widely recognized as the gold standard in superior service and prod- uct quality, reliability and performance. Metro is the market leader in storage and workflow optimization solutions, an area where the Ali Group currently has a small presence. They have long-standing partnerships with many leading U.S. chains and key channel part- ners. Being part of the Ali Group, their presence in the international marketplace has a very high potential for further growth. Metro has a very strong, continuous financial performance driven by its unique ability to provide fully integrated solutions and a very seasoned management team with a proven track record. What does Metro add to the Ali Group portfolio of companies? The Metro acquisition is strategically important to our Group as it strengthens our position as leader in the global commercial foodservice equipment industry. Metro's leadership in the storage solutions sector opens new opportuni- ties for the Ali Group and adds a new dimen- sion to our ability to serve the foodservice equipment market. The addition of very strong and well recognized brands to those of the Group increases the Ali Group's global presence and visibility. Metro has strengths in the field of healthcare. How does Metro add to Ali Group's existing healthcare offerings? Metro offers an unmatched breadth of health- care products, including storage systems, carts and workstations. The addition of Metro's product line will strengthen Ali Group's com- mitment to offering one of the most complete product portfolios in the industry. Also, Metro's strength in the healthcare field brings opportu- nities to introduce other Ali Group brands into this important segment. PEOPLE